Meaning: This quote by Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, speaks to the concept of moral authority and its inherent nature. Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and a proponent of nonviolent resistance. His philosophy and teachings continue to inspire individuals and movements around the world. In this quote, Gandhi is highlighting the nature of moral authority and how it is not something that can be grasped or maintained through force or manipulation.

Moral authority can be understood as the influence and respect that a person or organization holds due to their perceived ethical and moral standing. It is the ability to guide and inspire others through principles and values rather than through coercion or power. Gandhi believed that moral authority cannot be attained through deliberate efforts to acquire it. Instead, it arises naturally as a result of one's actions, character, and integrity.

The first part of the quote, "Moral authority is never retained by any attempt to hold on to it," suggests that moral authority cannot be preserved through grasping or clinging to it. This implies that the more one tries to assert their moral authority or hold onto it through force or manipulation, the more it slips away. This aligns with Gandhi's emphasis on the futility of trying to control or impose one's authority through coercive means.

Gandhi then states, "It comes without seeking," indicating that moral authority is not something that can be actively pursued or acquired through ambition or desire. Instead, it emerges organically as a result of one's actions and adherence to ethical principles. This notion challenges the conventional belief that authority must be actively sought and acquired through strategic maneuvers. Gandhi's perspective suggests that genuine moral authority arises naturally as a byproduct of living in accordance with one's values and principles.

The final part of the quote, "and is retained without effort," further emphasizes the spontaneous and effortless nature of moral authority. Once established, moral authority does not require conscious effort to maintain. It endures through the consistent demonstration of ethical behavior and the embodiment of values. This idea aligns with Gandhi's own life and leadership, as he sought to lead by example and lived in accordance with his principles of nonviolence, truth, and social justice.

Gandhi's understanding of moral authority is rooted in the principles of nonviolent resistance and ethical conduct. His leadership during India's struggle for independence and his influence on civil rights movements worldwide was not built on traditional forms of power or coercion, but on the moral authority he gained through his unwavering commitment to nonviolence and justice.

In conclusion, Mohandas Gandhi's quote on moral authority encapsulates his philosophy on the nature of ethical influence and leadership. It underscores the idea that moral authority cannot be acquired through deliberate efforts or maintained through force. Instead, it arises naturally as a result of one's ethical conduct and principles. By embodying these values, individuals and leaders can establish enduring moral authority that inspires and guides others without the need for coercion or manipulation.